He also passed Kinston and North Carolina legend Jerry Stackhouse in North Carolina high school career points.

“The whole team has to step up and they did tonight,” West Craven coach Bryan Goehring said.

“We’ve been through a ton of close-game situations that have prepared us for tonight. The defensive intensity picked up in the second half."

The Eagles led, 52-48, after three quarters, and iced it away with converted free throws and in-your-face defense that forced Havelock turnovers.

“My guys played as hard as they could tonight and with their (West Craven’s) athleticism, we came up just short against them again," Havelock coach Bill Fryczynski said.

“I can’t remember the last time we lost two in a row, so going into the playoffs as conference runner-up, and playing in the game for the first time since nobody knows when, I’m very proud of the guys this year.”

Demetres Abrams added 20 points to the Eagles’ tally and Tyrone Brown just missed a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.

The Rams were led by Matt Prichard’s 15 points, while David Carter added 14, Zack Bruns 13 and Pharoh Cooper put up 11.

“It just feels great to be conference champs again as a senior,” Josh Cuthbertson said.

“Havelock came to play tonight and we knew they would, but my guys stepped up and wanted it a bit more. It makes me feel great as a star player because I know I can’t do it by myself.”

The Eagles and Rams both will have home playoff games Monday, as the 3-A state tournament gets underway.

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